Swiss court rejects Hockey Canada’s bid to block Team Canada jersey deal

A hockey equipment manufacturer based in Brantford, Ont. is at the centre of a legal dispute over who controls the commercial rights to Team Canada’s jerseys and apparel.

Official response and confirmed impact

TRUE Hockey reached a new agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to supply uniforms and apparel for teams competing in IIHF events, replacing Nike as the federation’s supplier.

The dispute stems from a deal between the IIHF and the Brantford-based TRUE Hockey, who were acquired by Graeme Roustan, owner of the private investment firm Roustan Capital.

Under the agreement, TRUE will supply jerseys and apparel for teams competing in IIHF events, excluding the Olympics and the men’s and women’s world championships.

At the same time, Hockey Canada has extended Bauer’s deal as its official jersey partner, with the organization recently announcing plans to bring back its iconic crest.

Taylor McKee, director of the Centre for Sport Capacity at Brock University, said the dispute raises questions about how the Bauer agreement was reached.

Incident under investigation

But Hockey Canada challenged the arrangement in a Swiss court, arguing the IIHF cannot design, manufacture or sell Team Canada jerseys without its approval.

“Hockey Canada has a problem right now where if TRUE was pledging to make these uniforms in Canada, then that would’ve been part of a regular tender process,” McKee said.